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“Who Cares?” – Jessica Pegula Strongly Defends Alexander Zverev From ‘Not The True World No. 1’ Criticism

WTA star Jessica Pegula has rallied behind Alexander Zverev amid criticism over his year-end No. 1 ranking, arguing that injury absences by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner undermine arguments about his legitimacy.

Pegula dismissed skepticism during a podcast appearance, pointing out that Alcaraz missed the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury and struggled in Paris this year, while Sinner was sidelined by a knee issue at the US Open. Zverev, who won Roland Garros and the US Open this season, secured the top ranking after Alcaraz’s early exit in Shanghai and Sinner’s continued absence from key tournaments.

The German now faces World No. 9 Alex de Minaur in the Shanghai quarterfinals, where he leads their head-to-head 8-4 and enters as the favorite to advance further.

Zverev, who previously lost in the 2019 Shanghai final, called his first No. 1 ranking a 'dream come true' after a standout season that included a Wimbledon final defeat at the hands of Sinner.

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